Let’s see here… WHAT!?!?!? $700 just for remote support software?! Ever feel like that? You need to give remote support but don’t want to shell out 700 to a couple thousand bucks, luckily, you don’t have to.
With PcHelpWare from uVNC, you get a portable, free, customizable, professional remote support program. But do you get what you pay for or is this one of the best things in life that are free?
The admin interface is just a bit more “techie” than some of the other remote support programs out there, but offers the same functionality. To create a server (that’s what client needs to download before you can offer him remote support) fill out the relevant information, and click on “Create Server”.
That will run a batch file that generators a small .exe file that who ever needs help can run. Then simply click on “Start” and wait for the user to run the program and click connect. As for the user, the interface couldn’t be simpler.
Here is a detailed list of instructions for the user after they have downloaded the program and run it:
1. Click “Connect”.
2. The End.
Yeah, that’s it. You can also require the user to enter the login and password.
So you’ve sent the file to the user, they’ve downloaded it and clicked connect. Now you have control of their computer, but what can you do?
In short, everything.
The image quality is spectacular, it feels like your actually sitting in front of the user’s computer. It is also lightning fast, the image coming across is almost real time. Need to get a file from point A to point B, with PcHelpware you can transfer files copy paste style, copy the file, click sync clipboard, paste.
You can also chat with the user if you need, go full-screen, and if necessary, lock server input (lock the keyboard and mouse at the user’s computer.)
For all of you security freaks, PcHelpware connects with two different encryption protocols, so everything you do is secure.
Yeah that’s great, but what about that customization you told me about! I’ll say this much, PcHelpware is the most customizable remote support software I’ve seen, but also the least user friendly to customize.
If all you do is edit the default “background.bmp” it is fairly easy, however, you can completely customize where the Login and Password fields are (or remove them completely), the size and shape, and just about anything you can think of. Unfortunately, there really isn’t a graphical way to do this, however uVNC does have a great section on how to customize the server here.
All and all PcHelpware is an absolutely great remote support app. It is 100% free and customizable. It includes many of the features of commercial products: repeaters, works behind firewalls, customization, etc. My one complaint if any is the slightly more complicated back end, but the front end is impossible to beat. Despite a few short comings, PcHelpware more than makes up for them with its price, customization, and speed.
(By) Check out Ben's blog at http://www.tic-tech-toe.com/
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Filed Under: Cool Software Apps ¦ Windows
Tags: remote control, remote desktop, tech support, Vista, vnc, XP
It’s been a while, I am really...
Thank you so much for this article. I digg’ed it (my first digg ever - bit of a pain, too). Anyway, I was looking for something like this last week, and I appreciate the post.
Nice app… So far looks pretty good, the speed seems on the good side as well. Will comment more tomorrow.
Haven’t tried this one, but I do recommend CrossLoop (http://crossloop.com/) highly. Easy to use, no backdoor, does not litter your computer with crap even after you uninstall it like LogMeIn, and extremely not scary for newbie customers/family/friends. And, you know, free.
IMHO, the one feature that this tool beats many of the other free/commercial software out there is that it can run on a limited user account in Windows. There is no need to run the client software in an Administrator account. This is so important, especially for supporting corporate end-users who may be overseas and using a restricted user account but need remote support from IT Dept back in HQ.
Highly recommended.
I just came across this one: http://www.FreeRemoteSupport.com“.
LOVE IT! My mom (who’s not so quick with the computer or the “Intraweb”
can use it no problem.
havent tried this one either but i use teamviewer and i think its really simple.
So what about the IP address? I remember the VNC apps need to know the IP. If so, it doesn’t make sense. How can I explain a customer how to check it’s IP, etc. I’ve been using CrossLoop for ages. No IP address needed - just the tiny code.
For easy to use remote support, you can use Mikogo - the free online meeting tool with built-in remote support capability.
No configurations, network/firewall changes, or IP address needed. Just start a session, and those joining only have to enter the unique ID. Completely free and secure (256 bit AES encryption). If you need more than a remote support tool, Mikogo allows you to invite 10 people to a screen sharing session, which makes it ideal for free online meetings, Web presentations, webinars and group collaboration. More info on the MakeUseOf review
Cheers,
Andrew
The Mikogo Team
My vote is Techinline http://www.techinline.com It’s perfect for a small helpdesk such as mine with our limited budget, since it is priced at a fraction of LogMeIn, GoToAssist, or Webex. In terms of the process of connecting, it’s probably the easiest since neither you, nor the remote clients have to install absolutely anything (browser-based service). I used to be with LogMeIn Rescue, and that service obviously had more features, however, this is more than enough functionality for me